Falcons Use Third Quarter Offensive Surge To Bypass The Bears

Saturday, April 18

USAF Academy, Colo.

1 p.m.

Mercer University

6-6, 2-2

Air Force

5-7, 3-1

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Mercer	3	3	1	2	9
Air Force	1	3	9	4	17

Falcons Use Third Quarter Offensive Surge To Bypass The Bears

4/18/2026 3:43:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse

Box Score

By: Kaylin Flukey, Kaylin.flukey@live.mercer.edu

USAF Academy, Colo. – Air Force men's lacrosse used a third quarter offensive surge to defeat the Bears 17-9, earning their spot in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament on Saturday, April 18 at Falcon Stadium.

Senior midfielder Dylan McKelvy led the way for the Bears with a hat trick on the day. Michael Frederick and Christopher Cappelmann both posted two goals a piece while Tommy Bartenhagen and Luke Fox also found the back of the net for the Bears. On the defensive side, Thomas Venzie picked up four ground balls and caused a turnover and inbetween the pipes for the Bears, Jacob Neuman recorded 13 saves.

HOW IT HAPPENED

McKelvy got scoring started for the Bears with back-to-back goals giving Mercer an early lead. Air Force found the back of the net for the first time at the 6:49 mark. Mercer found their momentum and scored three straight goals to take their biggest lead of the day 5-1.
Air Force responded with two goals early on in the second quarter and McKelvy followed shortly after with his third of the day.
The Falcons found their momentum during halftime because they came out scoring nine straight goals at the end of the second quarter and into the third, holding Mercer to just one goal in the third quarter.
Air Force was able to hold it down on defense for the final 15 minutes to clinch their spot alongside the Bears in the ASUN Tournament.

TOP BEARS

McKelvy recorded his first hat trick of the season.
Bartenhagen posted his second goal of the season.
Frederick notched his 7th game of the season with multiple goals scored.

NOTABLES

Mercer moves to 6-6 on the season overall and 2-2 in the ASUN.
Air Force clinched their spot in the ASUN tournament.

UP NEXT

The Bears will close out the regular season at Five Star Stadium on Saturday, April 25 as they host Jacksonville for Senior Day at 2 p.m.

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Fans can help support the Mercer athletics department by making a gift to the Mercer Athletic Foundation. To find out more information about the Mercer Athletic Foundation, visit S upportMAF.com or email maf@mercer.edu.